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Kamala’s first 10 days have been “what any candidate would dream of” – and have given the Democrats an “energy jolt”. Also, Donald’s bad day with the largest annual gathering of Black journalists –Harold Meyerson comments.

Next: Every four years, people die, people turn 18 and the electorate changes. Steve Philips reports on the new electorate.

Plus: The phrase “homeless veterans” should be an American oxymoron – instead, administration after administration, including that of Biden, has fought against disabled veterans’ right to housing. Public Counsel lead attorney Mark Rosenbaum discusses the class action lawsuit set for trial on August 6th.  8-1-2024

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America ready to elect a Black woman president? Harold Meyerson examines the opportunities facing Kamala Harris, and the obstacles to be overcome.

Also: Democrats in Arizona are engaged in massive organizing to win an abortion rights referendum, elect a senator, and flip a House seat. And they are facing an Arizona Republican Party that is pretty crazy, to say the least. The Nation‘s Sasha Abramsky has our report.

Plus: from the archives: Barbara Ehrenreich on the wellness industry, starting with those pink ribbons. Her book is “Bright-Sided.” (originally broadcast November 2009)

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Where do we stand with Joe Biden – today? More Democrats are saying Biden needs to step down – Harold Meyerson comments.

Also: During the Supreme Court term that just ended, the conservative majority granted new constitutional rights to hedge fund managers, big business—and Donald Trump. David Cole explains the shocking decisions that have transformed our government.

Plus: 1974, the new memoir by Francine Prose, recalls the year when “the ’60s” came to a definitive end, when it became clear that the changes we’d wanted, the changes we’d fought for, were not going to happen. She spent that year in San Francisco, where she got to know Tony Russo of the Pentagon Papers case.  7-13-2024

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What would it take to get Biden to decline the nomination? Polls about the opinion of the Democratic rank-and-file; the views of Democratic senators and House members–those in danger of losing their seats and political careers—and Biden’s own circle, for whom the crucial factor will be their assessment of his legacy. Harold Meyerson comments.

Also: Marc Cooper argues that the narrative for Joe Biden’s campaign has now been set: he’s “too old.” And the Supreme Court decision on immunity for Trump makes it essential that he be defeated. Kamala Harris would be the choice of the party establishment, if Biden agreed to step aside; at the convention, she might be nominated by acclamation, without a vote among alternative choices.

Plus: UCLA historian Robin Kelley talks about the music of Thelonious Monk – and his book: “Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original” – PLAYLIST: “‘Round Midnight,” “Well You Needn’t,” “Straight No Chaser,” “Sweet and Lovely” – 1947 Blue Note sessions. (originally broadcast 10-21-09)   7-4-2024

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Trump v. Biden 2024 – before the debate: Biden cannot look old or confused, BUT – in a way, Trump’s constant ridiculing of Biden for looking old and confused actually gives Biden his biggest and best opportunity. Harold Meyerson comments.

Also: What should the Democrats do about white voters? Most of them have voted for Trump, twice. How much of that can be changed? Steve Phillips reports on new research that should reshape Democratic strategy.

Plus: On throwing cards into watermelons, how to run a flea circus, the art of dental performance and much more – remembering master magician Ricky Jay (first recorded in 2002; he died in 2018).  6-27-2024